Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this serial caper… especially for the one who's lurking in shadows. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.

A Debt of Gratitude: With thanks to mine beta, Fenikkusuken.

Several days later…

Chapter 11
The Sighting

Oh, shit. It was supposed to be the other girl's turn tonight. Of all the rotten lu–

"What are you doing, lurking in the shadows?" inquired Kouga in an undertone. "Your shift ended hours ago… are you still babysitting our witness?"

Ayame bristled at the chief investigator, who leaned casually against a nearby pillar. "I'm just doing my job, Keisatsu."

"I figured as much, but that doesn't explain why you're on edge," he replied, blue eyes sharp.

Forcing herself to relax, the redhead gestured towards the opposite end of the lobby, where a wide archway led to a variety of restaurants and shops. "She and that roommate of hers have established a routine; they've been taking turns running to that gelato shop every night before it closes."

Kouga's eyebrows rose. "So?"

"So… that's why I'm here. Once Miss Sakamoto is back in her room, I'll call it a night."

"Uh-huh. That explains why you're so tense. Dangerous stuff, gelato," he drawled skeptically, closing the distance between them. "I could have sworn you were anxious."

Ayame's glance was scornful. "Are you accusing me of something… or are you sniffing around for other reasons? Either way, you're wasting your time."

The wolf youkai only smirked and scanned the lobby. At this late hour, the lights were low and the atmosphere was subdued. Most activity centered around the valet desk, where well-dressed restaurant patrons awaited their cars. A handful of travel-weary businessmen trudged off a shuttle and moved towards the check-in desk, suitcases rolling in their wake. When Sango appeared a minute later, two cups of gelato occupying her hands, Ayame stepped out of her line of sight. "I take it Miss Sakamoto doesn't know you're keeping an eye on her after hours?" Kouga remarked.

"She'd be upset," Ayame replied candidly.

"No doubt," Kouga agreed. The redhead stiffened slightly, and the investigator's eyes slid towards Sango, who'd been waylaid by the head bellhop. If Miss Sakamoto's obvious distraction was any indication, the poor fellow didn't have a chance.

Ayame swore under her breath and looked ready to break cover, but Kouga laid a hand on her arm. "She's a big girl; I've seen her give plenty of guys the brush-off over the last week." To his surprise, the she-wolf was biting her lip hard enough to draw blood. "Well, aren't you the mother hen," he teased.

Paying Keisatsu no mind, Ayame watched as Sango disentangled herself from her conversation with the young man and jogged towards the elevators. Suppressing a growl, the redhead darted after her, calling out a desperate, "Miss Sakamoto!" as she went.

Kouga caught up with the redhead—alone—in front of the elevators. "Relax. She's on her way up to her room, safe and sound. What, were you planning to tuck her in too?" he joked, ignoring her glare. "Come on, Ayame. I'll buy you coffee."

The redhead hesitated, then wearily replied, "I think I need something stronger." Kouga grinned and led the way back out into the lobby; Ayame followed more slowly, darting a concerned look over her shoulder. Above the doors through which Miss Sakamoto had just disappeared was a tastefully antiquated device that used a sliding bar to show the elevator's progress. At that moment, the car she occupied was stopped… between floors.

End Note: This story owes much of its structure to the Live Journal community 30(underscore)lies, where I have a claim on Miroku. Lie #13, Shadows. 546 words.